Mouth evacuator



March 17, 1964 R. VAN LANIGAN 3,124,879

MOUTH EVACUATOR Filed April 11, 1960 FIG. 3 W 4 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,124,879 MQUTH EVACUATQR Louis R. Van Lanigan, Le (Claire Hotel, Moline, Ill. Filed Apr. 11, W60, Ser. No. 21,340 lll Claims. (Cl. 32-33) This invention relates generally to dental appliances and more particularly to evacuators for removing Water, saliva, blood, etc., by means of suction from the mouth of the patient undergoing dental treatment. This invention is generally an improvement of the Saliva Ejector structure shown and described in US. Patent 2,696,047 which issued to Mr. L. R. Van Lanigan December 7, 1954. Heretofore, all evacuators have comprised a curved metal stem or tube that may be applied over the lower tooth ridge of the mouth and which terminates at its inner end in a suction nozzle usually made of metal. They are so shaped that the inner outlet rests on the floor of the mouth and designed so that they fit deep vaulted mouths as well as shallow and as a result are quite large and bulky. The fact that the evacuator rests on the floor of the mouth causes much discomfort to the patient because these tissues are very delicate and constantly elevate and depress with the movements of the tongue when swallowing. The weight imposed upon these tissues normally consists of the metal tube plus the weight of the suction hose actually causing the inner end of the evacuator tube to slightly embed itself in these tissues which actually results in a sucking in and pinching these delicate tissues causing blood blisters and much discomfort to the patient. These evacuators are constructed to remove fluids from only a small restricted area in the mouth and have an inlet only at the tip resting upon the floor of the mouth. Consequently, they become easily clogged and inefficient. Due to the shape of the vault of the mouth and different necessary positions of the head of the patient while undergoing dental treatment, these evacuators are inefficient and cotton rolls are used in conjunction with them to aid in keeping the mouth dry.

Therefore, conventional evacuators collect fluids from only a small restricted area. Often fluids by-pass the collection area and small lakes form. The floor of the mouth being curved, saliva entering the mouth drains down, since the secreting duct openings are located on an elevated area behind the lower anterior teeth. It is therefore necessary to use cotton rolls to absorb this excess fluid. Even with so-called adjustable extension evacuators the collection area is only at the end. With accumulation of fluid in any part of the floor of the mouth, a patient will normally swallow and raise the tongue. Upon the latter occurrence, the tissues on the floor of the mouth are elevated, causing the fluid to be forced onto the surfaces of the teeth causing much inconvenience to the dentist, as it is very important that these surfaces be kept dry during the insertion of fillings or setting of cements. Modern techniques in use today employing high speed dentistry make it necessary to use coolants such as a constant stream of water upon the teeth being worked on to avoid overheating. It is imperative, therefore, to employ proper evacuation.

The main object of my invention is 'to provide an evacuator of simple construction, without bulk, and having improved means for Withdrawing saliva, water, blood, etc., which eliminates the use of cotton rolls, which imposes no weight or pressure upon the sensitive mouth tissues, which drains saliva, Water, etc. along the entire mouth regardless of head position, which is self-adjustable to fit deep and shallow mouths, and which is easily cleaned and sterilized.

This is accomplished by providing a metal conduit or tube designed and angulated to hook over and be sup- Patented Mar. 17, 1964 ported on the biting edge of the lower anterior teeth or ridge. The end section of the metal tube lies well above any part of the floor of the mouth, thus eliminating any weight or pressure upon the delicate mouth tissues. Projecting from the main conduit are short metal extensions or stems for draining both sides of the mouth in the tongue vault and also the areas between the cheek and teeth.

To these short metal extensions or stems are attached soft flexible non-toxic moulded rubber or plastic extensions so shaped to adapt themselves to the shape of the areas involved and lie underneath the tongue and between the cheek and teeth. These moulded flexible extensions, closed at the end, and having a series of perforations making it virtually impossible to clog, are so located to drain fluids along the entire mouth vault from anterior to posterior, and on opposite sides of the lower row of teeth. Areas that were impossible to drain previously are now easily accessible with these flexible extensions which are self-adjustable and not bulky in the mouth. The areas opposite the upper first molar regions, which is the position of the opening of the parotid salivary ducts, can now also be drained. To drain these areas, perforated flexible extensions about four and one-half inches long are attached to the outer metal projections for drainage in the lower areas between the cheek and teeth. By turning the tips upward and forward at the posterior part of the mouth, the extensions will drain the duct opening regions. Flexibility of the tips keeps them in position Without dislodgement. An air Vent it located near the anterior portion of each flexible extension to relieve vacuum in the extension in case of accidental clogging of the other inlets.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art, after a consideration of the following description in which reference is had to the accompanying drawing.

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the assembled evacuator.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the main conduit and stem portions of the evacuator with the flexible extension tubes removed.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the lower jaw with the evacuator placed relative to the teeth.

FIGURE 4 is a front perspective view of the evacuator when placed in the mouth.

FIGURE 5 is a side view of one of the flexible tubes used in the evacuator.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 66 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 is a side view of a plastic sealing cap used on the evacuator.

Referring now to the drawings, the evacuator comprises a relatively long main rigid metallic tube or conduit 10 which is balanced to depend from the front of the mouth. The upper end 11 of the main conduit 1% is angulated to extend over and rests on the biting edge or ridge of the lower anterior teeth, a slight indentation, as at 12, being provided on the underside of the stern portion 11 to loosely hold the metallic conduit 16 in place and generally against fore and aft movement. The main conduit 10 is provided with a pair of integral laterally extending and oppositely directed tubular stems 14-, 15 which are positioned to lie forwardly of and generally beneath the upper ridge of the lower front teeth.

The main conduit N has at its upper end 11 and internally of the row of teeth posteriorly and laterally directed tubular stems 16, 17, the latter following to a limited extent the contour of the inner side of the forward lower teeth. When properly seated in the mouth, the stems l4, l5, l6, 17 will be directed slightly downwardly toward the bottom of the mouth. The lower U end of the conduit is provided with a coupling or adapter 18 to which is connected a flexible hose, not shown, on standard suction machines.

Removably attached to the short tubular stems 16, 17 are moulded flexible extension tubes 20, 21, composed of rubber, plastic, or other resilient type material. Referring specifically to FIGURES 1 and 5, the flexible extension tubes 20, 21 are composed generally of horizontal portions 22 which telescope or slide over the stem portions 16, 17 and from thence to a downwardly clined portion 23, which is moulded to conform generally to the shape of the front lower wall of the mouth and to have a lower heel or angled portion 24 resting on the floor and at the front of the mouth, and from thence to a rearwardly or posteriorly directed and generally horizontally disposed section 25. It should here be noted that the shape of the tubes is such that it will tend to yield or bend at the heel or angled portion 24. This latter feature is important since the front of the mouth has little movement occurring in response to swallowing or moving of the tongue. However, the tissues at the base or floor of the mouth will rise and fall with each swallow or movement of the tongue. By providing a comparatively flexible portion and a relatively stiif inclined portion 23 the tube will yield at the heel or angled portion 24 and the portion 25 will remain on the floor of the mouth as it rises or falls. The portion 25 is provided With a series of rows of longitudinally spaced suction holes 26 on its opposite sides and on its underside. On the upper end of the inclined portion 23 there is provided a pair of air openings 27 to allow entrance of air should the holes 26 become clogged. The tip 23 of the tube portion 25 is closed and rounded so as to provide a smooth contact with the sensitive tissues on the floor of the mouth.

Flexible tubes, such as at 30, of similar configurations may be mounted on the tubular stems 14, 15. The tube 30 is also of flexible material and may be slightly moulded to conform to the outer curvature of the teeth. The tube 30 is also provided with suction inlets or holes 31 on its opposite sides and on its underside. An air inlet 32 opens upwardly adjacent the stem 15. The tube 30 is also rounded at its tip 33. Viewing FIGURE 4, it will be noted that the stem sections 14, 15 are above the floor or bottom of the mouth but are directed slightly downwardly. The flexible tube 30 will therefore be the only portion contacting the floor. Therefore, should the main stem 10 be bumped or tilted there will be no discomfort since the tube 30 will merely bend.

Often it will be desirous to shut off one or more of the stems 1417 from feeding into the main conduit 10. For this purpose there is provided a cap 34 which is shown as being positioned over the stem 1 (FIGURES l, 3). The purpose is obviously to shut off that stem from drawing fluid and waste generally in the event that none exists on that side of the mouth. The cap is also rounded at 35 at its tip for the reasons above cited.

Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4 for showing the operation of the present evacuator, the flexible or plastic extensions 39 are disposed between the teeth and cheek and will be self-adjusting to the contour or curvature of the mouth exteriorly of the row of teeth. As previously ex plained, the flexible extensions 20, 21 are positioned interiorly of the row of teeth. It will be noted that the flexible extensions 20, 21 and 36 extend to the posterior of the mouth and well to the rear of the rear molars. This is permissible from a comfort standpoint due to the fact that the extensions are flexible and have no sharp edges which would be sensitive to the soft tissues of the mouth. Should it be desired to drain from the molar region of the upper teeth, slightly longer tubular extensions 36 are used on the stems 14, 15 and the tips of the extensions 30 are turned upwardly and, if desired, forwardly to that region.

Due to the rows of suction inlets 26, 31 on the tubular extensions, the evacuator drains fluid along the entire mouth simultaneously, from anterior to posterior, and eliminates the need of cotton rolls or absorbent material. Using a series of multiple perforations it virtually is impossible to clog, the suction sensation is not as pronounced in the mouth, and has less tendency for the tissues to be sucked in.

While only one form of the invention has been shown, it should be recognized that other forms and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, while the present disclosure was described in concise and detailed manner for the purpose of clearly illustrating the principles of the invention, it was not the intention to limit or narrow the invention beyond the broad concept set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A month evacuator comprising: a main rigid tubular conduit adapted to depend from the front of the mouth with the lower end thereof adapted for connection to a suction line and with the upper end thereof extending over and resting on the upper front edge of the lower teeth and formed to be loosely restricted against fore and aft movement relative to the teeth, said conduit having thereon a pair of relatively short laterally extending tubular stems disposed forward of the teeth and directed to opposite sides of the mouth, said conduit further having a pair of relatively short laterally extending tubular stems disposed internally of the lower row of teeth and directed to opposite sides of the mouth; tubular extensions composed of flexible material supported on the stems, the tubular extensions supported on the laterally disposed stems forward of the teeth being adaptable to shape themselves to the outer curvature of the lower row of teeth and having spaced apart suction open ings throughout the length thereof, each of the tubular extensions on the stems projecting internally of the teeth formed with a connecting portion adjacent to the respective stem, from thence to a downwardly inclined portion lying adjacent the forward wall of the mouth, and from thence to a rearwardly directed lateral portion lying on the floor of the mouth, the latter portion having spaced apart suction openings throughout its length and being adapted to flex relative to the inclined portion whereby the rearwardly directed portion will rise and fall according to the rise and fall of the floor of the mouth.

2. A mouth evacuator comprising: a main rigid tubular conduit adapted to depend from, the front of the mouth with the lower end thereof adapted for connection to a suction line and with the upper end thereof extending over and resting on the upper front edge of the lower teeth, said conduit havin" thereon a pair of relatively short laterally extending tubular stems disposed forward of the teeth and directed to opposite sides of the mouth, said conduit further having a pair of relatively short laterally extending tubular stems disposed internally of the lower row of teeth and directed to opposite sides of the mouth; tubular extensions composed of flexible material supported on the stems, the tubular extensions having spaced apart suction openings throughout the length thereof, each of the tubular extensions on the stems projecting internally of the teeth formed with a connecting portion adjacent to the respective stem, from thence to a downwardly inolined portion lying adjacent the forward wall of the mouth, and from thence to a rearwardly directed lateral portion lying on the floor of the mouth, the latter portion being adapted to flex relative to the inclined portion whereby the rearwardly directed portion will rise and fall according to the rise and fall of the floor of the mouth.

3. A mouth evacuator comprising: a main rigid tubular conduit adapted to depend from the front of the mouth with the lower end thereof adapted for connection to a suction line and with the upper end thereof extending over and resting on the upper front edge of the lower teeth, said conduit having thereon a pair of relatively short laterally extending tubular stems disposed forward of the teeth and directed to opposite sides or the mouth, said conduit further having a pair of relatively short tubular stems disposed internally of the lower row of teeth and directed to opposite sides of the mouth; tubular extensions composed of flexible material supported on the stems, the tubular extensions being adaptable to shape themselves to the mouth curvature both internally and externally of the lower row of teeth and having spaced apart suction openings throughout the length thereof.

4. A mouth evacuator comprising: a main rigid tubular conduit adapted to depend from the mouth with the lower end thereof adapted for connection to a suction line and the upper end thereof extending over and resting on the lower teeth, said conduit having thereon at least one relatively short laterally extending tubular stem disposed outward of and adjacent the teeth, said conduit further having at least one relatively short laterally extending tubular stem disposed internally of the row of teeth; tubular extensions composed of flexible material supported on the stems, the tubular extension supported on the laterally disposed stem outward of the teeth being adaptable to shape itself to the outer curvature of the lower row of teeth and having spaced apart suction openings throughout its length, the tubular extension on the stem projecting internally of the row of teeth being composed of flexible material and formed with a connecting portion adjacent to the respective stem, from thence to a downwardly inclined portion lying adjacent the wall of the mouth and from thence to a lateral portion lying on the floor of the mouth, the latter portion having spaced apart suction openings throughout its length and being adapted to flex relative to the inclined portion whereby it will rise and fall according to the rise and fall of the floor of the mouth.

5. A month evacutor comprising: .a main rigid tubular conduit adapted to depend from the mouth with the lower end thereof adapted for connection to a suction line and the upper end thereof extending over and resting on the lower teeth, said conduit having thereon at least one relatively short laterally extending tubular stem disposed outward of and adjacent the teeth, said conduit further having at least one relatively short laterally extending tubular stem disposed internally of the row of teeth; tubular extensions composed of flexible material supported on the stems, the tubular extensions being adaptable to shape themselves to the mouth curvature both internally and externally of the lower row of teeth and having spaced apart suction openings throughout their lengths.

6. The invention defined in claim 5 in which the flexible extensions are composed of resilient plastic material.

7. The invention defined in claim 5 in which the flexible extensions have longitudinally extending rows of suction inlets on opposite sides and the underside thereof.

8. The invention defined in claim 5 in which the flexible extensions are rounded and closed at their tips.

9. The invention defined in claim 5 further characterized by the rigid conduit being so shaped and balanced that the portion of the stem extending over the teeth is laterally disposed and the flexible extension connected thereto is inclined downwardly along the forward wall of the mouth and from thence laterally rearw-ardly along the floor of the mouth.

10. A mouth evacuator comprising: a main rigid tubular conduit adapted to depend from the mouth with a lower end thereof adapted for connection to a suction line, said conduit having thereon a plurality of relatively short tubular stems disposed adjacent to and both internally and externally of the lower row of teeth and directed toward various portions of the mouth; tubular extensions composed of flexible material supported on part of the stems, the tubular extensions having spaced apart suction openings throughout their lengths and being adaptable to shape themselves to the mouth curvature both internally and externally of the lower row of teeth; and a removable impervious cap element on at least one of the stems for shutting oil the suction intake through the latter.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,519,595 Older Aug. 22, 1950 2,587,008 Stadelmann Feb. 26, 1952 2,696,047 Van Lanigan Dec. 7, 1954 

1. A MOUTH EVACUATOR COMPRISING: A MAIN RIGID TUBULAR CONDUIT ADAPTED TO DEPEND FROM THE FRONT OF THE MOUTH WITH THE LOWER END THEREOF ADAPTED FOR CONNECTION TO A SUCTION LINE AND WITH THE UPPER END THEREOF EXTENDING OVER AND RESTING ON THE UPPER FRONT EDGE OF THE LOWER TEETH AND FORMED TO BE LOOSELY RESTRICTED AGAINST FORE AND AFT MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO THE TEETH, SAID CONDUIT HAVING THEREON A PAIR OF RELATIVELY SHORT LATERALLY EXTENDING TUBULAR STEMS DISPOSED FORWARD OF THE TEETH AND DIRECTED TO OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE MOUTH, SAID CONDUIT FURTHER HAVING A PAIR OF RELATIVELY SHORT LATERALLY EXTENDING TUBULAR STEMS DISPOSED INTERNALLY OF THE LOWER ROW OF TEETH AND DIRECTED TO OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE MOUTH; TUBULAR EXTENSIONS COMPOSED OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL SUPPORTED ON THE STEMS, THE TUBULAR EXTENSIONS SUPPORTED ON THE LATERALLY DISPOSED STEMS FORWARD OF THE TEETH BEING ADAPTABLE TO SHAPE THEMSELVES TO THE OUTER CURVATURE OF THE LOWER ROW OF TEETH AND HAVING SPACED APART SUCTION OPENINGS THROUGHOUT THE LENGTH THEREOF, EACH OF THE TUBULAR EXTENSIONS ON THE STEMS PROJECTING INTERNALLY OF THE TEETH FORMED WITH A CONNECTING PORTION ADJACENT TO THE RESPECTIVE STEM, FROM THENCE TO A DOWNWARDLY INCLINED PORTION LYING ADJACENT THE FORWARD WALL OF THE MOUTH, AND FROM THENCE TO A REARWARDLY DIRECTED LATERAL PORTION LYING ON THE FLOOR OF THE MOUTH, THE LATTER PORTION HAVING SPACED APART SUCTION OPENINGS THROUGHOUT ITS LENGTH AND BEING ADAPTED TO FLEX RELATIVE TO THE INCLINED PORTION WHEREBY THE REARWARDLY DIRECTED PORTION WILL RISE AND FALL ACCORDING TO THE RISE AND FALL OF THE FLOOR OF THE MOUTH. 